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1x12 Library Book Cart

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A rolling cart featuring a angled top book shelf perfect for keeping books in place, and a large bottom shelf perfect for baskets or bins, sized for children.  This is a free woodworking plan to build your own from Ana-White.com

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1x12 Library Book Cart

Dimensions
dimensions for library book cart
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 – 1×12, 10 feet long
  • 1 – 1×2, 6 feet long
  • 1 – 1×4, 3 feet long
  • 1 – 1×8, 3 feet long
  • 2″ self tapping star bit Screws OR 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws (for Kreg Jig)
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • Wood filler, glue and finishing supplies
Cut List
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 28″ (Sides)
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 31 1/2″ (Shelves)
  • 1 – 1×4 @ 31 1/2″ (Top Shelf Support)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 31 1/2″ (Bottom Shelf Trim)
  • 1 – 1×8 @ 31 1/2″ Top Back)
Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Jigsaw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

On the two side pieces, cut out the handle and round the corners if desired.

Step 2

Attach the bottom shelf to the sides with either 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, or 2" self tapping star bit screws.

Step 3

Attach the bottom shelf sides as shown using 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 4

Top Shelf Support Measure and mark out the location for the top shelf support as shown in the diagram above. Use either the 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, or 2" self tapping screws.

Step 5

Attach the back piece to the top shelf with screws or 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 6

Top Shelf

Place top shelf on top of top shelf support. Mark and screw in place with 2″ screws and glue.

Step 7

Wheels

Attach caster wheels to base of the cart with screws included with the caster wheels.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill nail and screw holes with wood filler
Sand well with 120 grit sandpaper. Remove and sanding residue.
Finish Used
I use a white semi-gloss paint with primer, sanding very lightly with 220 grit sandpaper between coats.
Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Toys
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Chrystal (not verified)

Tue, 12/28/2010 - 22:16

LOVE this!! Its just fantastic & so are you :) i'll be adding it to my to do list!! Thanks Ana for all that you do!!

CatherineG (not verified)

Tue, 12/28/2010 - 23:42

Thanks, Ana! I have children's books in anticipation of a child someday soon, and this would hold them all perfectly. BTW, I purchased four of the 20-gallon totes from Home Depot - perfect for my Christmas stuff and much better than cardboard boxes! Hope they keep supporting the site!

Jessica (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 02:43

I was loving this in the catalog last night & wishing you would make plans! I wake up this morning to plans! Thank you!!

Jessica (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 02:45

I was loving this in the catalog last night & wishing you would make plans! I woke up this morning to plans! Yay! Thank you!

orangesugar (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 03:42

When you do the upholstered bed are you going to use bed rail clips (like this http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10&Max=999)? I was going to try and build an upholstered bed from your chunky leg bed frame eventually, but couldn't figure out how to use the clips without them interfering with the fabric. I'd rather use the clips over screws because it would have to be disassembled and moved and reassembled.

Annie (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 03:43

I just got my Land of Nod catalogue in the mail, and wondered if the library cart was something you had drawn-up plans for. WOW! What a wonderful coincidence! This cart looks like it'll work even better! Thanks, Ana, for all the inspiration and the extra help we need to complete these awesome projects!

Britt (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 04:29

So excited for this! I'm a teacher and have been thinking of purchasing one, but they are way too much $, this is the perfect solution.

Amanda (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 04:46

As a total booklover, I LOVE this library cart! Can't wait till I can build something like this for my little one!

Shauna (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 04:51

Perfect for our homeschool books in our teeny tiny house! Thanks Ana - I can't wait to get started!

Pam the Goatherd (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 05:12

My children are all grown up and moving out on their own so I have plans to convert their room into a sewing/craft room which will also be our guest bedroom. This book cart will be great for storing my craft and sewing books. I'll be making the day bed/trundle bed to go in that room also. We raised three kids in a two bedroom mobile home and have learned to make the most of every inch of space. Your plans are helping me to re-do our whole house with even more efficient, space-saving furniture. Thanks so much for sharing with us, Ana!

Kim (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 06:40

I love this, but I am equally excited about the farmhouse benches that are coming! Hope they are here before the new year.....I have a naked table :)

Cherie82 (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 06:44

I can't wait to make this this weekend, (along with the dress up rack) for my baby girl's 4th birthday. She is going to love using it to cart all of her Fancy Nancy books everywhere. Thank you so much.

Raven (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 06:45

Love it! I homeschool my kids and we take out dozens of books every week. I want this! Thank you!

Melissa (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 06:54

I was just going to email you today with this idea! I am so glad that you found this plan and already have it done. I think this may be the first Ana White project I will make! Thank you. I do have an awesome side table idea that I need to get to you.

Krista (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 07:00

Ooooh, this is too cool! My kiddos would love pushing this around. And I know Kyras teacher would love this...maybe a teachers gift :)
Good for you making something for yourself, it's how we keep motivated right!?

Oh and I am uber exited to see you have a kitchen banquette on your list of plans to do!!! Woot!

Jill (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 07:57

Great project.

The size for the back of the top shelf wasn't given. Any guess what this may be?

Rebecca (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 09:21

It is exhausting the amazing things you come up with for me to add to my build list! I LOVE this. My daughter is a huge reader. This would be awesome for downstairs use and move. Love it! Thank you

shelley (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 09:28

I am so, so excited! You just made my day! I was just looking at a certain website last night and saw this and thought...."Man, I wish Anna had the plans for this on her website. This would be absolutely perfect for us." Yay!!!!! Thank you!

Samantha (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 19:15

Ohh I love love love this!!
Also, I about jumped out of my computer chair telling my husband that the Kitchen Helper is on your to do list. I've been wanting one (and I meand badly) for the last 2 years. If I buy you a coffee will that entice you to put that next on your list ;)

April K (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 20:06

This is so cute and would look great in my daughter's room! I am so very excited about the kitchen helper and can't wait to see the plans! My hubby gave me the go ahead to purchase one online for $150 this week, but I haven't wanted to part with the money! Now I will be patient just a little longer! You are awesome, Ana!

Lynn Peters (not verified)

Thu, 12/30/2010 - 01:48

I am building this for me and for my office! I think I may have to make one (or two) for the home office and for work. I love the look and it would make organizing easier in both places. I think I will use your plans for the file cabinet base to measure a box for the lower shelf. That way I can have a long hanging file box below and space for binders and books on top! You are amazing!

Angela (not verified)

Thu, 12/30/2010 - 03:49

My 3 year old wants one for the play area in the basement, one in the living room and then 3 upstairs (one for each bedroom). I said it has wheels to move it "thats sooo cool mommy" she reponded. As I type with her on my lap the list of how many she thinks we need is growing.
So we will be making one well 2 a more grown up painted on for my sewing/craft area. Would be great not to be confined by my bookshelf. I am so limited on space as it is.

Donna (not verified)

Thu, 12/30/2010 - 12:46

I am building this tomorrow! Got my list ready and heading to homedepot!
Thanks Ana, you are amazing!

JuliaSays (not verified)

Sat, 01/01/2011 - 14:34

I love this! I was just telling my husband that I was on a search for a better way to organize our kiddos' books. This is perfect!

Nan Tovar (not verified)

Sun, 01/02/2011 - 16:39

Thanks, Ana! Might be just the thing to get my daughter's books out of the various baskets they are in! Loving the price, too :)

Katterin (not verified)

Sun, 01/09/2011 - 15:50

As a new homeowner and a single mom of an almost-one-year-old (man, time flies!) baby girl, and being the type of person who jumps into new crafts/hobbies on a whim, I've been watching the site and making plans to start building soon...but this was the plan that actually got me going! My cart is sitting in the garage, wheels removed, wood filler drying so that I can put on a coat of primer after the baby goes to bed.

brckhous (not verified)

Wed, 01/26/2011 - 10:51

Ana, I LOVE those pink scallop-edge bins on the bottom shelf. Where are they from?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 04/12/2011 - 15:27

Another one of MY designs.  Yes, I designed this for the Land of Nod, along with many other items you decided to post.  I am a single father raising two young girls. I support our family as a designer. 

Yes, Anna, you are amazing.

Jenny W (not verified)

Fri, 01/04/2013 - 11:20

Thank you SO much for this easy to follow plan -- My husband made this as his first project with a new saw and it came out beautifully! I had been eyeing the pricey land of nod version for over a year so I am thrilled!!

jazz4sale@hotm…

Sat, 08/02/2014 - 09:01

I am having a hard time cutting out the handle holes. My problem is the tight curve with the jigsaw. I have cut stress cuts so that as I am going around the blade is not under pressure but I can't seem to get it well rounded. Any pointers or techniques for this?

Thanks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!